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...
There were many exchanges like this.
Su Hang's energy in tactical classes was almost intimidating.
Even on the training pitch, during tactical drills, nothing changed—he remained just as active.
He even helped teammates adjust their positioning to better fit Aragonés' tactical vision.
"Torres, your speed is incredible, but if your runs match the coach's system better, you'll be even deadlier."
"Villa, link up more—you've got the technique for it. You don't need to go solo so often. Sure, you're called the lone hero, but every player around you now is one of Spain's best. They're all worth trusting."
"Luis, pass more often. Use a few decoy passes to draw defenders' attention. Don't worry—I'll make sure the final pass reaches you. You're our biggest weapon for breaking their defense!"
These were players who were stars or core figures at their clubs—few would ever dare to offer them advice, even friendly ones.
But Su Hang already had. He'd even given similar advice to Raúl.
"Raúl, don't slack off. Cover more ground—give the ball carrier better passing options. Remember what we said? Two points aren't enough. You need a third—that's the true passing outlet!"
After that, Raúl's movement noticeably widened.
Aragonés was very pleased with the results.
He himself wouldn't have dared to say that much to Raúl.
Raúl could sense Aragonés' intent to update the squad.
As one of those possibly on the chopping block, any demand from Aragonés could easily stir suspicion and frustration—no, let's say negative emotions.
And it wasn't just the forwards. In midfield, the players who best understood the tactical setup—Xavi, Iniesta, and the excellent Alonso—also received personal "master classes" from Su Hang.
"Xavi, I need you to be more aggressive defensively. Balance movement and stillness, grace and grit. Your control gives people the illusion that you're not physical, but your pressing can surprise them. You can be our key to high pressing!"
"Iniesta! Take him on—dribble past him! You have that ability, and you know it better than anyone. Don't pass just for the sake of passing. Our whole possession game is designed to create openings for players like you! You and Messi are that type of player!"
"Alonso, go for the long pass! Others can't do it, but you can. Your long balls are every bit as good as Beckham's! Don't worry—remember, don't keep possession just for the sake of it. The coach picked Torres precisely to match your long passes!"
Su Hang moved tirelessly up and down the pitch. When he joined the drills, he was like the on-field captain. When he wasn't, he seemed more like a coach than Aragonés himself.
He even went up to Aragonés to discuss tactics.
"Boss, it's time to unleash Mariano. We need more impact on the left flank."
Mariano, Spain's starting left-back, was known for his attacking flair.
He'd scored ten goals in La Liga this season—a real flying wing-back.
Aragonés had been considering the same thing and nodded in approval.
Su Hang immediately ran to the touchline.
"Mariano, push forward. Get involved in the passing game in midfield—hover around the halfway line most of the time. When you get the chance, don't hesitate to drive down the flank. Alonso, Xavi, and Luis García will all be ready for you."
Mariano was overjoyed.
"Ramos, I know you can carry the ball forward, but pay attention to Mariano's runs. When he pushes up, adjust your position. You're fast—focus on protecting the central area, especially when Alonso's under pressure."
Shock.
Utter shock.
The assistant coach could hardly believe it—had Su Hang somehow read Aragonés' tactical notebook?
It was exactly Aragonés' plan!
Left-back bombs forward, right-back tucks in as a holding midfielder, securing the central channel even at the cost of the flank.
Aragonés turned to Su Hang for the first time. "What do you think our biggest tactical problem is?"
It was a test.
He expected a long answer.
But Su Hang only said one word.
"Soft."
The assistant coach immediately protested. "Our pressing is intense! Even playmakers like Xavi make tackles, interceptions—even commit fouls!"
Su Hang smiled. "Every year, plenty of players get into fights on the pitch. But do you know why I'm the only one called Spain's toughest player?"
The assistant coach was speechless.
Fighting as a point of pride? Really?
Su Hang continued, "Because I'm the only one who always wins."
"Genghis Khan on the steppes, Alexander the Great of Macedonia—only the undefeated are true heroes."
"Xavi's physique means he'll never be a tough enforcer. His technique is his disguise. Sure, he can steal the ball unexpectedly, but he'll never be a butcher."
"Our midfield needs a true iron wall—someone whose defense and style strike fear into opponents."
"Isn't that why you naturalized Marcos Senna?"
Aragonés burst out laughing. "Exactly, Su! You're sharp. So tell me—what's my ideal starting lineup for Spain?"
Several assistants turned to look at Su Hang.
What a trap of a question.
If Su Hang was smart enough, he'd know he wasn't in Aragonés' best eleven.
But could someone that smart really accept being left out?
Su Hang squinted slightly.
"Villa, Torres."
"Luis García."
"Xavi, Senna, Alonso."
"Fariño, Ibáñez, Puyol, Ramos."
"Casillas."
This time, even Aragonés wondered if Su Hang had peeked at his notes.
It was exactly the lineup he considered ideal.
But he couldn't really field it—not yet. For now, Raúl still had to be included.
Aragonés chuckled. "I thought you'd put yourself in there. You're the captain of Real Madrid—you led them to that incredible treble."
Su Hang shrugged. "Well, that's your dream lineup, isn't it?"
Aragonés frowned. "So you disagree?"
Su Hang nodded. "Of course. In my mind…"
"Su Hang, Torres."
"Raúl."
"Xavi, Alonso, Iniesta—or Fàbregas."
Aragonés asked, "And where are the defenders?"